Canada Ends Start-up Visa Programme; Plans New Entrepreneur Pilot

Canada has announced the closure of its Start-up Visa (SUV) programme and outlined plans to introduce a new pilot scheme for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that the move is part of a broader transition towards a more targeted approach to business immigration.

The decision includes immediate changes to work permit applications linked to the SUV programme. These measures aim to streamline processes and reduce backlogs across Canada’s business immigration streams.

Key Changes To The Start-up Visa Programme

IRCC has stopped accepting new applications for the optional work permit associated with the Start-up Visa programme. The only exception applies to applicants already in Canada who are seeking to extend an existing SUV work permit.

Additionally, no new Start-up Visa applications will be accepted after 11.59 pm on December 31, 2025. These changes mark a significant shift in Canada’s approach to entrepreneur immigration, focusing on efficiency and backlog reduction.

Transitional Provisions For Existing Applicants

Applicants who have already secured a valid commitment certificate from a designated organisation issued in 2025 will remain eligible to apply. However, their applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026 to qualify under the existing programme rules.

This transitional window provides certainty for candidates who have progressed in the process but have not yet filed their applications. IRCC emphasised that these provisions are designed to ensure fairness while implementing the new policy direction.

Impact On Other Business Immigration Streams

The federal government has also extended the pause on the Self-Employed Persons Programme until further notice. This programme has been closed to new applications since April 30, 2024 and will remain unavailable as part of the current review.

IRCC stated that these measures align with Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy outlined in the latest Immigration Levels Plan. The changes are intended to create a more focused and responsive framework for entrepreneurial immigration.

Read More: H-1B and H-4 Visa Appointments Delayed as US Expands Social Media Screening.

Conclusion

Canada’s decision to end the Start-up Visa programme and introduce a new pilot reflects a strategic shift in business immigration policy. By halting new applications and limiting work permit extensions, IRCC aims to manage backlogs and improve processing efficiency.

The upcoming pilot programme is expected to offer a more targeted pathway for entrepreneurs aligned with Canada’s long-term economic objectives. Further details of the new scheme will be announced in 2026, signalling a new chapter in Canada’s approach to attracting global talent.

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